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HMS Puncher (P291)

HMS Puncher (P291)

HMS Puncher (P291) is one of 16 Archer-class patrol vessels assigned to the Coastal Forces Squadron, providing maritime security and operations within Europe’s coastal waters.

Role

As a training vessel, HMS Puncher’s main role is to provide Naval experience to Officer Cadets from the University of London’s University Royal Naval Unit (London URNU).

It’s onboard HMS Puncher that young Officers and cadets get their first taste of naval life, developing the navigation and seamanship skills required for a career in the Royal Navy.

HMS Puncher also takes part in a variety of wider Fleet tasking, from coastal patrols in UK waters to Royal Navy exercises in the Baltic, Northern Europe and beyond.

Capability

HMS Puncher operates from HMNB Portsmouth and is proud to be affiliated with the following:

  • HMS Westminster
  • 702 Naval Air Squadron
  • HMS Talent
  • Kensington and Chelsea Borough Council
  • Worshipful Company of Horners
  • Town of Eastbourne
  • Eastbourne Sea Cadet Corps
Archer class

Crew

Led by Lieutenant A. Snow, HMS Puncher has a permanent crew of five: four Ratings and an Officer. The ship can also accommodate up to 12 URNU Officer Cadets, along with a training officer from the Royal Navy Reserve. The ship’s company has a variety of roles and responsibilities, including:

  • Naval experience
  • Naval training
  • Navigation training
  • Officer training
  • Providing support on Royal Navy and NATO exercises
  • Personal development
  • Leadership training

Unit history

1944

First Puncher

The First HMS Puncher is a Smiter-class escort carrier built by Todd Pacific, Seattle, and commissioned in 1944.
1944

Royal Canadian Navy

HMS Puncher is the last escort carrier to be manned by the Royal Canadian Navy. With a complement of 1000 personnel, her displacement is 14,700 tonnes.
1944

Battle of the Atlantic

During the Second World War, HMS Puncher receives Battle Honours for her part in the Battle of the Atlantic.
1945

Home Fleet

Joining the Home Fleet at Scapa Flow in February 1945, HMS Puncher provides fighter cover for minelaying and minesweeping sorties.
1946

Final year

The first Puncher has a post-war role providing deck landing training and troop transport until being returned to the US and sold as a merchant ship in 1946.
1947

The Second Puncher

A second HMS Puncher, a tank landing ship, is commissioned in 1947. She is eventually sold out of the service in 1960.

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